This discussion of rear bag designs and fill levels may offer some new insights for many readers. By “tuning” your rear bag you can reduce hop on shot-firing and help your rifle track better. All that can translate to better scores, particularly with large-caliber rifles.
Tuning Your Rear Sand Bags
Over the years, noted gunsmith and a Benchrest Hall-of-Fame inductee Thomas ‘Speedy’ Gonzalez has learned a few things about “tuning” rear sandbags for best performance. On his Facebook page, Speedy recently discussed how sand bag fill levels (hard vs. soft) can affect accuracy. Speedy says you don’t want to have both your front and rear sandbags filled up ultra-hard. One or the other bag needs to have some “give” to provide a shock-absorbing function (and prevent stock jump). And you want to tune your fill arrangements to match your shooting style. Free recoil shooters may need a different fill levels than bag squeezers (who a softer bag but harder ears).
SAND BAGS & HOW TO FILL THEMby Speedy Gonzalez
I was asked several times by competitors at the S.O.A. Matches and F-Class Nationals as to how I fill my sand bags for benchrest competition. Here is a copy of a reply I gave several years ago:
Back in the old days, Pat McMillan told me: “You can not have two bags filled so hard that you gun bounces on them in the process of firing round at your target, especially if you have a rig with a very flexible stock. The bags must be set up in a manner for them to absorb the initial shock of the firing pin moving forward and igniting the primer.
Then [they must] maintain their shape and absorb the second shock wave as well the rearward thrust and torque of the rifle. What happens to the rifle when this is not done? Well let me tell you. The rifles have a very bad tendency to jump and roll in the bags. This causes many of those wild, lost shots that one can’t explain.”
Here’s some Good General Advice for Bag Set-up:
1. You should not have TWO hard bags [i.e. both front AND rear] in your set-up.
2. Heavy sand magnifies these phenomena.
3. If you are a bag squeezer, pack ears hard and leave bag pliable enough to squeeze for the movement required. You may pack front bag as hard as rules permit.
4. Free recoil shooters pack both bags firm, but not so hard as to allow stock jump. Especially if you have a stock with a very flexible forearm.
5. We use play-ground sand, also know as silica sand. I sift mine to get any large impurities out then mix it with 25% to 50% with Harts parakeet gravel to the desired hardness that I am looking for. The bird gravel keeps the sand from packing itself into that solid as a brick state.
Speaking of bricks — another thing that happens when shooters employ that heavy zircon sand is the ears form a low spot under them from recoil and then tend to rock back and forth with the rifle causing many low shots to crop up. Edgewood makes an Edgewood/Speedy rear bag specially reinforced under the ears to eliminate this scenario.
Show below are the latest SEB Bigfoot Bags. Note that the bags sit perfectly flat — there is no bulge on the bottom even though the bags are “packed to the brim with sand”.
General Thoughts about Bag Construction and Ear Materials
I do not like the solid double-stitched leather bottoms. While this seems like a good idea, I see more shooters have problems because of them. They tend to slide around the bench and or slide with the rifle on recoil. The standard Protektor with Cordura rabbit ears and an Otto ring bag with a Cordura front would be what I would suggest to the new shooter or one of the Edgewood / Speedy rear bags, these mimic the “Donut” and feature a ring of leather around the bottom circumference that keep the bottom from rocking on the bench or ground[.]
One last note –If you use the Cordura bags, keep them sprayed with a good silicon spray or “Rain-Ex”. This keeps them from getting sticky. — Speedy
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In 2019 CCI introduced a new type of .22 LR rimfire ammunition. CCI’s innovative Clean-22 Ammo features polymer-coated bullets. This is actually a pretty important development. The bullet coating on CCI’s Clean-22 ammo provides three main benefits:
1. Copper fouling in the barrel is greatly reduced.
2. Lead fouling in the barrel is greatly reduced.
3. Lead build-up in suppressors is reduced by 60-80%.
CCI now offers three versions of Clean-22 rimfire ammunition: High Velocity (#944CC, 40gr, 1235 FPS MV), Subsonic (#934CC, 40gr, 1070 FPS MV), and Suppressor (#980CC, 45gr, 1000 FPS). These all feature lead bullets with polymer coatings. The High Velocity ammo has red-coated bullets, the Subsonic has blue-coated bullets, and the Suppressor version has black-coasted bullets. MSRP is $12.99 for 100 rounds of Subsonic, $11.99 for 100 rounds of Hi-Vel, and $35.99 for 200 rounds of Suppressor variant. There is also a special 400rd Christmas pack of Clean-22 Hi-Vel ammo with Red and GREEN coated bullets. List price is $48.99 for item #946XMAS.
Clean-22 High Velocity: 1235 FPS | Clean-22 Subsonic: 1070 FPS
Clean-22 Ammo with Polymer-Coated Bullets
Clean-22 uses an exclusive polymer bullet coating to greatly reduce copper and lead fouling in the barrel without leaving a residue. It also cuts lead buildup in suppressors 60 to 80 percent. Both the Sub-Sonic and High Velocity loads feature a 40-grain round nose lead bullet with geometry that’s been optimized for accuracy. With dependable CCI priming and consistent propellant, Clean-22 provides reliable cycling through semi-automatics and all 22 LR firearms.
Americans are buying guns in record numbers again. With rising crime levels in America’s big cities and the recent wave of Smash and Grab attacks at shopping malls, Americans are concerned about their security. And so they are arming themselves.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has noted that the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) processed 687,788 background checks during the week leading up to and including Black Friday. The FBI recorded 187,585 NICS checks on Black Friday 2021 alone, ranking it among the Top 10 Highest Days for NICS checks. NOTE: The NICS checks numbers are unadjusted, representing raw data from the FBI, and are inclusive of all background checks related to firearms.
Predicting a massive buying surge, the NSSF worked with firearm retailers to spread out special sales offers to customers throughout the week leading up to Black Friday. The extended sales period was intended to push out purchases over multiple days, so that the FBI NICS system was not overwhelmed on Black Friday, resulting in longer-than-normal wait times.
2021 May Be the Second Highest Year for Gun Sales Ever
“This figure of over 687,000 background checks [in one week] is truly remarkable,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO. “This year has already been shaping up to be the second strongest year for firearm sales on record, second only to 2020’s record-breaking number of 21 million background checks for a firearm sale. We anticipate, based on annual data, that firearm sales will rise during the final month of the year coinciding with hunting seasons and holiday sales. This figure, though, underscores the appetite for lawful firearm ownership in America and the resilience of the firearm and ammunition industry to meet that demand.”
Below are the totals for each day of unadjusted FBI NICS background checks from November 20, 2021 though Black Friday 2021 on November 26, 2021:
Fast and Furious — FBI Processes 2.2 NICS Checks Per Second
On Black Friday 2021, the FBI NICS Background Check system processed 187,585 gun purchase checks, one of the highest daily totals ever (though not a record). In fact, so many Americans lined up to purchase firearms on Black Friday 2021 that the FBI was processing 2.2 background checks every second, triple the typical NICS daily rate.
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If you don’t match your ammo to your chamber, bad things can happen, that’s for sure. A while back, Forum member BigBlack had an experience at the gun range that reminds us of the importance of safety when shooting. He encountered evidence that someone had fired the wrong cartridge in a 7mm WSM rifle. The problem is more common than you may think. This Editor has personally seen novices try to shoot 9mm ammo in 40 S&W pistols. BigBlack’s story is along those lines, though the results were much more dramatic. It’s too bad a knowledgeable shooter was not nearby to “intervene” before this fellow chambered the wrong ammo.
7mm-08 is Not the Same as a 7mm WSM
BigBlack writes: “I know this has probably been replayed a thousand times but I feel we can never be reminded enough about safety. This weekend at the range I found a ruptured case on the ground. My immediate thoughts were that it was a hot load, but the neck area was begging for me to take a closer look, so I did. I took home the exploded case and rummaged through my old cases until I found a close match. From my investigative work it appears someone shot a 7mm-08 in a 7mm WSM. Take a look. In the above photo I’ve put together a 7mm WSM case (top), the ruptured case (middle), and a 7mm-08 case (bottom).”
The photo reveals what probably happened to the 7mm-08 case. The shoulder moved forward to match the 7mm WSM profile. The sidewalls of the case expanded outward in the much larger 7mm WSM chamber until they lacked the strength to contain the charge, and then the case sides ruptured catastrophically. A blow-out of this kind can be very dangerous, as the expanding gasses may not be completely contained within the action.
Can’t Happen to You? Think Again.
This kind of mistake — chambering the wrong cartridge — can happen to any shooter who is distracted, who places even a single wrong round in an ammo box, or who has two types of ammo on the bench. One of our Forum members was testing two different rifles recently and he picked up the wrong cartridge from the bench. As a result, he fired a .30-06 round in a .300 Win Mag chamber, and the case blew out. Here is his story:
“I took two of my hunting rifles I have not used for over 25 years to the range yesterday to get new scopes on paper, a .30-06 and .300 Win Mag. I had four boxes of old Winchester factory ammo (two of each cartridge), which had near identical appearances. I accidentally chambered a .30-06 round in the Sako .300 Win Mag rifle. It sprayed powder on my face and cracked the stock at the pistol grip. If I had not been wearing safety glasses I might be blind right now.
You should always wear protective eyewear, EVERY time you shoot.
“I feel lucky and am very thankful for being OK — other than my face looks funny right now. I am also grateful for learning a valuable lesson. I will never put two different cartridges on the bench at the same time again.”
Montana-based PROOF Research has released a revealing video showcasing carbon fiber firearms technology and the company’s barrel-making process. Viewers will find the 8-minute film an intriguing introduction to composite barrel-making, which employs aerospace carbon fiber wrapped around a steel barrel core. The video showcases the high-tech machines used at PROOF’s production facilities.
This video shows how PROOF Research employs aerospace-grade, high-temperature composite materials to build match-grade carbon fiber-wrapped barrels.
Dr. David Curliss, General Manager of PROOF Research’s Advanced Composite Division, and former head of the U.S. Air Force High Temperature Composites Laboratory, explains how aerospace expertise helps in the development of PROOF’s firearms-related products: “We are able to provide premier materials for PROOF Research for firearms barrels applications as well as the aerospace market. We’re probably the only firearms technology company that has composite materials in orbit around the earth.”
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Even with high-quality brass from Lapua, Peterson, Norma, Alpha and RWS, occasionally you may find one or two cases per box which have a small flake or obstruction in the flash-hole. This will appear like a thin crescent on one side of the flash hole (see photo). You should inspect ALL new brass before loading to identify any pieces with a partially-obstructed flash hole. It’s a good idea to remove any flake or thin crescent left as an artifact of the flash-hole forming process. Because the flash-hole itself is normally centered and of the correct diameter, it is not necessary to ream the flash-hole to a larger diameter. All you really need to do is remove the small obstruction(s). This can be done quickly with inexpensive tools.
Use a Small Pin Vise to Remove Flash-Hole Obstructions
Folks have asked if there is a tool that can remove obstructions from a Lapua small, BR-sized flash hole without opening the hole size. The Lapua PPC/BR flash hole is spec’d at 1.5mm, which works out to 0.059055″. Most of the PPC/BR flash-hole uniforming tools on the market use a 1/16″ bit which is nominally 0.0625″, but these often run oversize — up to 0.066″.
If you want to just clear out any obstructions in the flash hole, without increasing the flash hole diameter, you can use an inexpensive “pin vise” with an appropriate drill bit. For $0.99, eHobbyTools.com sells a 1.5mm drill bit, item 79186, that matches the Lapua flash hole exactly. Other vendors offer a #53 pin vise drill bit that measures .0595″ or .060″ (depending or source). An 0.0595″ bit is close enough. You can find pin vises and these small-diameter drill bits at hobby stores.
For quite some time, Sinclair Int’l has sold a similar device for small (PPC and BR-size) flash holes. Like the 07-3081 unit for large flash holes, the 073000 Reamer for small flash holes works from the outside, so it can index off the primer pocket. It reams to .0625″, and also costs $29.99. The standard dimension for Lapua 220 Russian and 6mmBR flash holes is 1.5mm or .0590″. This tool will permit standard-size decapping rods with .0625″ tips to work without binding. However, note that both Forster and Redding normally supply .057″ decapping pins with their PPC and BR dies. So, it is NOT necessary to ream your Lapua BR/PPC flashholes, unless you prefer to do so for uniformity. It IS, however, a good idea to check BR/PPC flash holes for burrs before loading the first time.
NOTE: If you purchase either the 073081 or 073000 Sinclair Flash Hole Reamer tools, we recommend you mic the cutter tip before you process a bunch of cases. Sometimes a tip comes through that is oversize. This will ream the flash holes larger than you may intend.
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At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
1. Midsouth — RCBS ChargeMaster Lite Scale/Dispenser, $179.99
⏺ Save on this very popular Scale/Dispenser with this special Cyber Weekend price. The price goes back to $234.99 on Tuesday!
Here’s a killer Cyber Monday deal — but you better grab this right away, the price goes up $55 tomorrow! The RCBS ChargeMaster Lite is one of the most popular electronic powder scale/dispensers for good reason. Featuring an easy-to-use digital keypad, large powder hopper, accuracy to +/- one-tenth of a grain, and good reliability, this machine will help you load more accurate charges AND save time.
2. KYGUNCO — Stevens 12ga Defensive Shotguns under $220
⏺ Rugged 12ga Pump shotguns with nice features at crazy low prices
Stevens makes good, reliable shotguns. Here is a great opportunity to grab a good 12ga defensive shotgun with nice features for under $220. Choose the Stevens 320 Security with Ghost Ring Sights for $198.44 (cash price) or the Stevens 320 Security with pistol grip, heat shield, and scope rail for $219.72 (cash price). Note, these are Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals and the price may go up.
⏺ Handsome wood chest is great for holding small tools
This Wood Tool Chest makes a great addition to your reloading room. The eight (8) drawers can hold the many small tools and accessories used for hand-loading, such as bushings, shims, uniforming tools, mandrels, neck-turners and more. A deeper top compartment (under the lid) holds wrenches and other larger tools. The price is just $84.99 at Harbor Freight. A lockable sliding wood panel fits in place to cover the drawers when not in use. This locking panel also secures the drawers during transport.
4. Midsouth — Aguila Super Extra .22 LR Ammo, $3.99 for 50rds
⏺ Decent .22 LR rimfire ammo at pre-Pandemic price
Well this is encouraging — $3.99 for a 50ct box of decent .22 LR rimfire ammo. We haven’t seen that kind of price in a long time. This Aguila Super Extra Hi-Vel (1255 fps) 40gr ammunition is decent training ammo for NRL22 matches or good fodder for fun plinking on reactive targets. Order soon before Midsouth sells out. This price works out to just 8 cents per round
5. MidwayUSA — Tipton Best Gun Vise + Wheeler Gunsmithing Screwdriver Set, both for $84.99
⏺ Outstanding gun vise PLUS a 43-piece gunsmithing driver set
This is a great combo kit for working on your rifles and shotguns. And right now you can save $40! The Tipton gun vise is stable, and offer plenty of storage for solvents, patches, small tools and parts. The vise can adapt to hold a variety of long guns, including ARs. Along with the Best Vise, you get a full 43-piece screwdriver kit that has 40 bit options: standard (flat) (21), Phillips (4), Allen (10), and Torx (5). The adjustable handle is nicely designed and comfortable.
⏺ Electronic plugs protect hearing while keeping range commands audible
Radians’ advanced Vertex Nano electronic earplugs provide responsive NRR 25 hearing protection. Fast 0.02 second-reaction time protects against loud gunshots and other impulse noises. With these Electronic Earplugs, Radians includes TWO full sets of batteries. Creedmoor’s Brent Books notes: “The most popular hearing protection we had at the National Matches this year was the Radians Vertex Nano Electronic Earplugs. These are what I personally use because they don’t get in the way like muffs do, I’m able to hear range commands and folks speaking to me, and they’re comfortable. The 2 modes for standard and enhanced amplification and easy on and off make them perfect for any scenario. Just be sure to roll the foam tightly before inserting … to make a good seal and pop the battery cover before putting away.”
7. Big Shot Tumblers — FREE Shipping through December 5, 2021
⏺ GREAT for high-volume wet or dry tumbling, now with FREE shipping
Forum member F-Class John offers the superb, high-capacity Big Shot Tumblers in two high-capacity sizes, BST-40 and BST-60. These Big Shot Tumblers put lesser machines to shame. If you regularly tumble large quantities of cases (wet OR dry), you should definitely get a Big Shot Tumbler. These start at $380 for the 40-lb capacity BST-40 model. Now through 12/5/2021, you can get FREE SHIPPING on your orders. Use coupon Code BIGSHIP during check-out.
8. PSA/Bear Insurance — Free AR Lower with Insurance Policy
⏺ Free AR-15 Lower with purchase of gun liability policy
Here is an interesting offer from Right To Bear Insurance which provides legal protection to gun owners. Insurance Plans provide multi-State Civil/Criminal defense liability coverage starting at $115 per year. As a Black Friday/Cyber Monday promotion, Right to Bear is offering a free PSA AR-15 lower with a new policy (first 10k policies). Alternatively, the company will provide a $40 credit with Palmetto State Armory (PSA).
9. Amazon — Jialitte Scope Bubble Level, $10.99
⏺ Great price for handy product every rifle shooter can use
All serious rifle shooters need a scope level. This nicely designed Jialitte Scope Bubble Level features a 30mm milled inside diameter, plus an inner insert ring so it will also fit 1″-diameter main tubes — that dual-diameter versatility is a nice feature. We also like the way the unit is nicely radiused, and has a low profile in the middle. Price is just $10.99 with free shipping. User reviews have been very positive. You could easily pay $35.00 or more for a 30mm scope level.
10. Amazon — Silicone Gun Socks with Multiple Sizes, From $4.74
⏺ Long guns should be in gun socks or borestores when in gunsafes
Winter is here, so many folks will soon stow their guns away for months until spring. Sadly, some folks put guns in a safe only to find rust on them months later. Avoid rust and corrosion by using these Lockdown silicone treated socks. Offered in assorted sizes for pistols, rifles, and shotguns, prices range from $4.74 (pistol) to $13.40 (scoped rifle). That’s a modest investment for guns worth thousands. We also recommend using Eezox or other good corrosion inhibitor on metal parts plus a Goldenrod inside the safe.
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Cyber Monday may be the best day of the year to find bargains on computers, TVs, smartphones, and other digital/electronic products. But it’s also a good shopping days for guns, optics, reloading equipment, hunting gear, and other shooting-related products. Here are links to 20 companies all running special Cyber Monday discounts and/or free shipping.
Don’t hesitate. Some of these deals are for today only. Other discount programs run through the week.
Among the many Cyber Monday offers, Creedmoor Sports is offering FREE shipping on $149+ orders through December 6, 2021. This FREE Shipping can save you plenty with larger, heavier and bulky items.
Brownells has special Cyber Monday Discount Codes that can save you big bucks on most of the products in stock. But act soon — these Codes expire 11/29/2021 at 11:59 pm CST.
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Intro: Ron Dague wanted a new gun that was similar to his trusty .223 Rem rifle, but which fired 6mm bullets. There is a superb choice of bullets in this caliber, and Ron found that the 95gr Berger VLD could be driven to a healthy 2604 FPS by the small .223 Rem case. This 6mm wildcat based on the common .223 Remington offers excellent accuracy and very low recoil — something very important in the cross-the-course discipline. In addition, Ron’s 95gr load with Alliant Reloder 15 delivered an ES of just 4 fps over ten shots. That exceptionally low ES helps achieve minimal vertical dispersion at 600 yards.
I have watched a change in thinking for NRA High Power across the course in match rifles and calibers. There are several [popular chamberings]: 6mm AR, 6.5 Grendel, 6XC, and 6.5 Creedmoor. I have seen these rifles perform and all have done very well.
When I started this project I was looking for a cartridge that shoots and feeds well from a magazine[.] I had shot the .223 Rem in my 722 Remington and knew it had fed well so I chose the .223 Remington necked up to 6mm.
The 6mm-223 gives me what I have in the standard .223 only with a better selection of bullets. I wanted a better 600-yard bullet with a higher BC than provided by the 80 and 82 grain bullets. I also wanted a 600-yard line bullet with a .500 or better B.C. for those shots that should be 10 ring or better but seem to find the 9 ring no matter how well I held and broke the shot.
Putting the 6mm-233 Project Together
My project started with ordering a 6mm barrel from Bartlein with a 1-8″ twist. I called Pacific Tool and ordered the 6mm-223 reamer. I found a used Remington 700 action at a local gun shop and already had a Remington 40X stock. I then started putting the gun together.
I already had a .223 Remington match rifle, and I wanted the 6mm-223 to be as close to the same as I could make it. I installed the barreled action in a wood 40X stock to work up load data and work out any magazine feeding issues. While I was working on that, I looked for a McMillan Baker Special stock and finally found one to finish this project. I bedded the action and stock, then took the rifle to the range to check zeros on the sights and scope. I was surprised that I didn’t have to change anything on the sights. I thought changing the stock would cause sight changes. The thought went through my head, “Maybe the 40X stock isn’t all that bad”.
Here’s line-up of 6mm bullets. The Berger 95gr VLD is in the middle.
I took the new rifle to the first match of the year, a National Match Course match, and my off-hand score was 83, rapid sitting 95, rapid prone 95, and slow fire prone 197 — for total aggregate 470. This may not be my best work, but on match day the wind was blowing about 15 mph and the temp was around 40° F, with rain threatening. This was a reduced course of fire — we shot at 200 and 300 yards on reduced targets.
I used 70gr Berger bullets for this match, loaded in Remington brass with 25 grains of VihtaVuori N540 and Federal 205M primers. When I worked up loads for this rifle, N540 gave the best accuracy with the best extreme spread — 2,950 fps with an extreme spread of 20 fps on a 10-shot string. The load for 600 yards was with a 95gr Berger VLD bullet, with 23.0 grains of Reloder 15, Lapua cases, and the same Federal 205M primers. This load is 2,604 fps, with an extreme spread of 4 fps over a 10-shot string. I’ve shot this load at several 3×600 yard matches, and the accuracy has proven to be very good. At the last 3×600 match, my scores were as follows: 199-10x and 198-11X with scope, and 193-10X with iron sights. Best 600-yard score so far with iron sights was 198-12X.
6mm-223 Rem Rifle Specifications: 700 BDL action and floor plate, Bartlein 6mm 1:8″ twist, McMillan Baker Special stock in Desert Camo, Centra front and rear sights, Ken Farrell bases with stripper clip guide, Sinclair hand stop, and Jewell trigger. Gunsmith Neil Keller helped me with the metal work and instructed me on the action work and rebarreling.
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This old lever gun is something special — the most expensive rifle ever sold at auction, according to the Rock Island Auction Company (RIAC), the world’s leading firearms auction house. This rifle sold in 2016 for $1,265,000.00 — the highest auction price ever recorded for a rifle (and twice what RIAC expected). The rifle went for such a high price because it was Serial Number 1 and because of its special connection to the Wild West and Indian Wars. SEE: RIAC Most Expensive Guns.
From Rock Island Auctions: “This 1886 Winchester set what was at that time the world record for the most expensive single firearm ever sold at auction… this particular model 1886 happened to be serial number one! If that weren’t enough, the gun was presented by firearms designer Lieut. George E. Albee to his friend and fellow Medal of Honor Recipient Capt. Henry W. Lawton, upon Lawton’s accepted surrender of Apache leader Geronimo.”
This historic Winchester Model 1886, Serial Number 1, was given to then Captain Henry W. Lawton as a gift to honor Lawton’s successful raid to capture the renegade Apache leader Geronimo. The rifle was gifted by his friend, Lt. George E. Albee, who worked with Winchester. Both Army officers were Medal of Honor winners. This rifle “represents the 25 years of bloodshed between the U.S. Army and the Apache Indians in the Southwest, and the end of the Indian Wars. Being serial number one and possessing such outstanding condition would alone be enough to draw six figures at auction. When you add one of the most famous names in the history of the Old West you have a huge crossover appeal”, said RIAC President Kevin Hogan.
Click the links below for the full, illustrated history of Geronimo’s capture by Captain Henry W. Lawton.
Lawton was a “soldier’s soldier” who fought in the Civil War, Indian Wars, Spanish-American War, and Philippine-American War, finishing his career with the rank of Major General. He lead an Army contingent that traveled 1300 miles to capture Geronimo in the summer of 1886. He was killed in combat in 1899 at the battle of San Mateo, in the Philippines. Ironically, the leader of the Philippine Revolutionary troops he faced was named Gen. Licerio Geronimo. Strange but true.
Rock Island sells over 23,000 firearms every year, but “never before had Rock Island offered Serial Number 1 of a production grade, investment-quality firearm” said RIAC. Given the rifle’s unique history and well-established provenance, “this truly is a prized national treasure”. This is the first production Winchester model 1886, with the single digit ONE stamped on the lower tang. The barrel is also inscribed “Albee to Lawton 45-70″.
“The rifle’s story begins with two brothers-in-arms during the Civil War who went their different ways after that conflict, one electing to continue a lifelong military career while the other pursued firearms and their development,” stated RIAC. “When the former, Captain Henry Ware Lawton, captured Geronimo in 1886, the latter, Lieutenant George E. Albee, was working for Winchester and able to secure serial number one of their newest rifle design. He presented it to his old war buddy and lifelong friend to commemorate Lawton’s remarkable achievement.”
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Rio 2016 World Cup Photo Courtesy ISSF and Team USA.
Would you like to try position shooting? Here are some tips from one of the best 3P shooters on the planet, Olympian Matt Emmons.
Matt Emmons is one of the USA’s top smallbore rifle competitors in recent decades. Emmons has competed on the U.S. National Team since 1997 and he has represented the USA in various rifle events at four Olympics Games — 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016. Matt earned multiple Olympic medals: Gold in 2004 in Men’s 50m Prone*; Silver in 2008 in Men’s 50m Prone; and Bronze in 2012 in Men’s 50m 3X40. Although his specialty is Men’s 3-Position rifle, Emmons’ World Championship and Olympic Gold are in Men’s 50m Prone. He usually shoots an Anschütz or Bleiker .22LR rifle, with Eley Tenex ammo.
Here are shooting tips from Matt, courtesy Anschütz. Click image below to launch a large PDF file. Right-click the image and “save as” to download the poster-sized PDF.
Here Matt Shows the Kneeling Position. The other two positions are Standing and Prone.
CLICK Photo to Load Large PDF File
Three Sets of Hardware for Three Positions
You may be surprised to find that Matt often totes three complete sets of rifle parts to important matches — three buttplates, three cheekpieces, and three Centra sights with adjustable irises. Matt told Shooting Sports USA that he travels with “three sets for three positions. Our final is so fast that I need three sets of everything to allow a fast change-over between positions.” Matt carries his gear in an an Anschütz sport bag: “It’s similar to the big Ogio duffels with wheels, but lighter. I’ve worked with AHG/Anschütz for many years and I like their bag because all of my junk fits in it.”
*Emmons’s gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics in the prone position came while using a borrowed rifle. In April 2004, just prior to the Olympic Team Trials, Emmons discovered his rifle had been severely sabotaged in the supposedly secure locker room at the United States Olympic Training Center. The precisely tuned barrel and action were heavily damaged by what appeared to be a screwdriver. “I unpacked my gun and I noticed that something wasn’t right,” Emmons said. “Sure enough, somebody had done something to it. I shot it and I couldn’t get the shell out. I said, ‘Something’s wrong here’.” Emmons said it could not have been an accident: “Oh no, no,” Emmons said. “Somebody took a screwdriver and went in.” Emmons went on to the 2004 Summer Olympics, and his gold medal in the prone position event, using his former University of Alaska Fairbanks teammate, Amber Darland’s .22 rifle. He never found out who the saboteur was, but said “I’d like to know so I could shake their hand and say thanks.”
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Starline Brass offers a series of videos with helpful reloading tips. Focused primarily on pistol cartridges, these short videos can help anyone get started with metallic cartridge reloading. If you load pistol rounds on a progressive, this video series is particularly helpful. The on-camera host is Hunter Pilant, son of Carroll Pilant of Sierra Bullets.
Preventing Double Charges
Tip: Use a bulky powder that fills your case more than half way with a correct charge. This will overfill the case if it is double-charged, making it very difficult to seat a bullet.
Tumble New Brass Before Loading the First Time
Tip: Tumble new pistol cartridge brass in used media for 30 minutes before loading for the first time. This will add enough graphite (carbon residue) to smooth case entry into dies. You can also lube the case mouths with graphite, or use spray lube.
Powder Through Expander — How to Eliminate Hang-ups
Tip: When loading pistol brass with a progressive press, sometime the powder-through expander is hard to remove, especially with short cases. There are two fixes — first, try deburring the inside of the case mouth on your cases. Second, the radius of the powder through expander plug can be modified to smooth entry and exit (see photo). Starline will do this modification for free.
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Brownells is continuing its popular Black Rifle Friday promotion through this entire weekend. Now through midnight on Sunday 11/28/21, enjoy big savings on uppers, lowers, barrels, buttstocks, rimfire conversion kits, AR optics, magazines and much more. Along with the attractive sale prices, you can save on nearly all Brownells products with special Black Friday weekend Discount Codes. NOTE: These codes are NOT limited to AR stuff — you can save on most products in stock.* But don’t delay, the codes expire soon.
Code RFA: 11% Off $200 | Code RFB: 12% Off $300 | Code RFC: 13% Off $700
Most Sale Prices Good Through 11/28/2021 at 11:59 pm CST. The special Discount Codes expire on 11/29/2021 at 11:59 pm CST.
*Promo Code Exceptions
Promo Codes are NOT valid on these brands: B&T, Bighorn Arms (Zermatt Arms), Crimson Trace, FN USA, Franklin Armory, Galco Int’l, Glock, Holosun, Kahles, LabRadar, Leica, Leupold, Nightforce, Raven Concealment, Ruger, SIG Sauer, Swarovski, Trijicon, and Zenith Firearms. Also Promo Codes are NOT valid on these product types (and more): barrel blanks, barrels (chambered), barreled receivers, bullets, case tumblers, cleaning rods, progressive presses, reloading kits, rifle stocks, shot, shotshell presses, ultrasonic case cleaners. See ALL Exceptions.
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For some applications, we prefer a non-bushing FL die over a bushing die. Shown here are three Forster full-length sizing dies, with necks honed to three different dimensions: 0.265″, 0.266″, and 0.267″.
The Honed Full-Length Sizing Die Option
There are many good options in full-length (FL) sizing dies. Most precision hand-loaders prefer FL dies with neck bushings. These let you adjust the “grip” on your bullet by using larger or smaller bushings. FL bushing dies are available from Whidden Gunworks, Forster, Redding and other makers.
Conventional, non-bushing full-length sizing dies can create ultra-accurate ammo with very low run-out. But many conventional non-bushing FL dies have an undersized neck diameter so you end up with excess neck tension, and you work the brass excessively.
There is another effective option, one that promises extremely low run-out. The honed FL die is a full-length sizing die that has the necked honed to provide a precise fit to the case-neck. When done right, honed FL dies produce extremely straight ammo — as there are no issues with bushing alignment (or bushings that are not perfectly concentric). This Editor owns honed dies from Forster, Redding, and Whidden Gunworks. They all perform extremely well, delivering match ammunition with extremely low run-out measured with a 21st Century Concentricity Gauge.
In one of the most popular articles we’ve ever published, Bugholes from Bipod, California shooter “Froggy” explained why he prefers honed dies for his tactical ammo.
Q: Do you FL size every time? Do you use custom dies?
Absolutely, I full length resize all of my brass every time I reload. And guess what? I’ve never had a feeding problem.
I do use a modified sizing die, without bushings. My FL resizing die has been custom-honed in the neck area to give .0015″ press fit on the bullet. I also put a slightly larger radius at the neck shoulder junction. I feel that this helps to seal the chamber. With this die, I get consistent neck tension every time–without bushings. Bushings are useful when you’re fishing around for a good load. But once you find the right amount of sizing for ideal neck tension, you can do this better with a customized FL die.
6.5 Guys Review Forster Honed Full-length Dies
The 6.5 Guys have reviewed honed FL sizing dies from Forster, explaining the pros and cons of this type of reloading die. They explained that, if you load a wide variety of bullets from different manufacturers, you many want to stick with a Bushing FL die. However, if you have settled on a particular bullet and found the “ideal” neck tension, then a honed die may make sense.
In this Gear Update, the 6.5 Guys discuss a service offered by Forster Products to custom hone the neck diameter of its full-length sizing dies to the customer’s specifications (to the thousandth). Whidden Gunworks also offers custom-honed FL dies.
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The last half-inch or so of your barrel is absolutely critical. Any damage (or abnormal wear) near the crown will cause a significant drop-off in accuracy. Here are ways you can check the end of your barrel, using a common Q-Tip.
Use Q-Tip for Barrel Inspection To find out if you have a burr or damage to your crown, you can use an ordinary Q-tip cotton swab. Check the edges of the crown by pulling the Q-tip gently out past the edge of the crown. If you have a burr, it will “grab” the cotton and leave strands behind.
Larry Willis has another way to use a Q-Tip: “Here’s a neat trick that will surprise you with how well it works.” Just insert a Q-Tip into your barrel (like the picture below), and it will reflect enough light so that you can get a real good look at the last half inch of rifling and the crown of your barrel. In most cases you’ll find that this works much better than a flashlight. Larry tells us: “I’ve used this method about a jillion times. Q-Tips are handy to keep in your cleaning supplies anyway. This is a good way to judge approximately how well you are cleaning your barrel when you’re at the range. It’s also the best way to examine your barrel when you’re in the field.”
Midsouth Shooters is running a great Black Friday sale this year. If you need an electronic scale/dispenser, grab the RCBS ChargeMaster Lite for just $179.99, the lowest price you’ll find anywhere. And if you need .224 caliber bullets for varmint work or training, Midsouth is now offering FIVE Thousand 55gr bullets for just $399.99 — that works out to just $8.00 per 100, an amazing deal. There are many other great bargains at Midsouth currently. NOTE: It appears these deals are good through Monday.
MidwayUSA — Cyber Week Sale
MidwayUSA offers FREE SHIPPING for orders over $49 with Code CYBERFS4921.
There are scores of bargains offered through MidwayUSA’s Cyber Week Sale (8 Days of Savings). There are new deals every day through 11/29/2021. You’ll find deep discounts on optics, reloading equipment, hunting gear and factory ammo on MidwayUSA’s Cyber Week Sale Page. NOTE you get FREE Shipping for orders over $49 with Code CYBERFS4921. Here are some of the best Black Friday Deals:
Cutting Edge Bullets — 20% Off All Bullets
At Cutting Edge Bullets you can get 20% off of your entire order with code BLK2021 at checkout. This Sale ends Sunday, November 28th at midnight. Get this deal by ordering direct from Cuttingedgebullets.com.
Bass Pro & Cabela’s — Black Friday CyberWeek Sale
Hundreds of products are on sale right now at Bass Pro and Cabela’s. Hunters will find bargains on camo gear, packs, boots, trail cams and more. In addition a variety of optics are deeply discounted, including Vortex and Cabela’s house brand binoculars and spotting scopes. One great deal we noted is the Savage Axis XP rifle with Weaver 3-9x40mm scope. This camo-stocked hunting rig is just $249.97 after applicable $75 Savage Rebate. Yes that includes the scope! That’s a steal for a capable deer rifle.
Brownells Black Rifle Friday Sale and Giveaway
Brownells’ Black Rifle Friday Page has great deals on uppers, lowers, AR components, magazines, and optics. Sale prices are good through 11/28/2021. The Grand Finale of the Black Rifle Friday will be on Monday, November 29th, with additional special deals and exclusives. And you can also enter to win one of four (4) $1,000 Brownells gift cards. Go to the Brownells Grand Giveaway Entry Page.
Academy Sports — $400 Off Cannon 43-Gun Safe Today Only!
This could be the best deal on a large gun safe we’ve seen all year. This Cannon 43-gun safe (with 30 min fire rating) normally retails for $999.99. Today only, Black Friday (11/26/21), this big safe is just $599.99 — a $400.00 savings. This is an incredible deal — 40% off retail for ONE DAY ONLY. NOTE: There is also a $20 off $200 discount with Code EM10TS3JKE that might apply (no guarantees on that).
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Here is a Black Friday video bonus for our Daily Bulletin readers. Today we showcase three of the most amazing 3D “cutaway” gun animations ever created. Watch the operations of a pump shotgun, bolt-action rifle, and semi-automatic pistol. The superb cutaway views show details of the firearms’ internal parts, and show how ammunition cycles start to finish. Each of these videos took hundreds of man-hours to create, and each has been watched many millions of times.
Remington 870 Pump-Action Shotgun
This 3D animation shows how a Remington 870 pump-action shotgun works. The animation is superbly done, showing every aspect of the internal operation. Folks, if you have any interest in shotguns you should definitely watch this video start to finish. This shotgun video has received 3.9 million views in just 10 days!
The video’s talented creator, Matt Rittman states: “Cinema 4D was used to create each individual part, as well as animating everything. Substance Painter was used to create the wood stock and fore-end textures. Corona renderer was used for final output of lighting and textures.” See more of Matt’s 3D videos on his popular YouTube Channel.
This 3D animation showing how a Mauser Karabiner 98K (KAR 98K) bolt-action rifle works. The Karabiner 98K is a controlled-feed bolt-action rifle based on the famous Mauser M98 system. Video creator Matt Rittman notes: “Cinema 4D was used to create each individual part, as well as animating everything. Substance Painter was used to create the wood stock texture. Corona renderer was used to render everything. This animation took me over 500 hours to create.” This video has been watched over 21 million times!
Every bolt-action rifle owner should watch this remarkable video. It shows key processes which are common to many actions — Cocking the Bolt, Feeding from magazine, Engagement of Bolt Lugs, Activation of Trigger and Movement of Firing Pin, and Extraction with Ejection. The modeling of the inside of the bolt and fire-control group is excellent. This really is a superb video that will help rifle owners understand what happening inside their guns as the bolt is cycled. See more of Matt’s 3D videos on his popular YouTube Channel.
This 3D animation demonstrates how a modern semi-automatic, double-action-only Glock 19 handgun works. Cinema 4D was used to create each individual part, as well as animating everything. Substance Painter was used to create the main textures. Corona renderer was used to render everything. This animation took me over 500 hours to create. one of the most-watched gun videos ever created, this Glock 19 animation has been viewed over 78.6 MILLION times!
Video Highlights for Glock 19 Pistol
0:00 Intro
0:11 Basic Function
0:39 Case Extraction
0:47 Cartridge Loading
1:02 Trigger Reset
About Matt Rittman, the 3D Animator/Artist These three amazing videos were all created by the gifted computer graphics artist Matt Rittman. On his Matt Rittman YouTube Channel, Matt states: “I’m a 3D Generalist/Motion Designer from Des Moines, Iowa. I have always enjoyed animation and illustrating how things work. I’m especially interested in cars and anything mechanical.
My aim for this channel is to provide easy to understand how-it-works 3D animations. I will occasionally be releasing tutorials centered around Cinema 4D and the different capabilities of the software.”
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Based on the questions we get on a daily basis on our 800 (Customer Support) line, twist is one of the most misunderstood subjects in the gun field. So let’s look deeper into this mystery and get a better understanding of what twist really means.
When you see the term 1:14″ (1-14) or 1:9″ twist, just exactly what does this mean? A rifle having a 1:14″ twist means the bullet will rotate one complete revolution every fourteen inches of the barrel. Naturally a 1:9″ turns one time every nine inches that it travels down the barrel. Now, here’s something that some people have trouble with. I’ve had calls from shooters thinking that a 1:14″ twist was faster than a 1:9″ because the number was higher with the 1:14″. The easiest way to remember this is the higher the number, the slower the twist rate is.
Now, the biggest misconception is that if a shooter has a .223 with a 1:8″ twist, his rifle won’t stabilize a 55gr bullet or anything lighter. So let’s look at what is required. The longer a bullet is for its diameter, the faster the twist has to be to stabilize it. In the case of the .223 with a 1:8″ twist, this was designed to stabilize 80gr bullets in this diameter. In truth the opposite is true. A 1:8″ will spin a 55gr faster than what is required in order to stabilize that length of bullet. If you have a bullet with good concentricity in its jacket, over-spinning it will not [normally] hurt its accuracy potential. [Editor’s Note: In addition, the faster twist rate will not, normally, decrease velocity significantly. That’s been confirmed by testing done by Bryan Litz’s Applied Ballistics Labs. There may be some minor speed loss.]
Many barrel-makers mark the twist rate and bore dimensions on their barrel blanks.
Think of it like tires on your truck. If you have a new set of tires put on your truck, and they balance them proper at the tire shop, you can drive down a street in town at 35 MPH and they spin perfect. You can get out on the highway and drive 65 MPH and they still spin perfect. A bullet acts the same way.
Once I loaded some 35gr HP bullets in a 22-250 Ackley with a 1:8″ twist. After putting three shots down range, the average velocity was 4584 FPS with an RPM level of 412,560. The group measured .750″ at 100 yards. This is a clear example that it is hard to over-stabilize a good bullet.
Twist-rate illustration by Erik Dahlberg courtesy FireArmsID.com. Krieger barrel photo courtesy GS Arizona.
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Happy Thanksgiving folks. Many major manufacturers and online vendors are offering great bargains tomorrow, Black Friday. And many of the sales start today. We are spotlighting vendors worth visiting because they offer a wide range of discounts on a large inventory selection — in some cases, everything in stock is discounted 10%, 15%, 25% even 40%. For other sellers, only specific items are on sale, so we’ve identified some of the best deals.
Come back regularly, as we will be updating the information as Black Friday sale prices on specific products are released by some vendors late on Thursday.
ScopeList — Save 20% on Top Quality Optics
Scopelist.com, which is affiliated with EuroOptic, has some very good promotions right now. Some are special Black Friday/Cyber Monday specials, while other deals are good through December 1, 2021. Here are some of the notable special deals that can save you up to 20%:
Midsouth is one of our favorite vendors. This company respects its customers and has maintained fair pricing even during the shortages. We will update this listing with specific hot deals as soon as they are posted. Special sale items with discounted prices should be revealed at 12:01 am ET 11/26/2021.
MDT — 10%-40% off all MDT Products including Chassis Systems
MDT produces very popular chassis systems for bolt-action rifles. These MDT Chassis units are very popular with PRS/NRL competitors because they are strong, versatile, adjustable, and can be easily fitted with bipods, forearm weights, and other accessories. Right now all MDT products are at least 10% off. And the “factory second” chassis systems are now 40% off at Mdttac.com.
Graf & Sons — Big Sightron Sale
The entire Sightron line-up is on sale now at Grafs.com. Save 25% on most Sightron riflescopes, including the poplar 10-50x60mm SIII scopes which have won major benchrest and F-Class matches. In addition, some great Sightron spotting scopes are 25% off. There are also significant discounts on binoculars, sunshades, and tripods.
Sportsman’s Warehouse — Huge Black Friday Sale
The Black Friday Sale at Sportsman’s Warehouse is underway right now, and runs through Wednesday December 3, 2020. We saw some great deals on Savage rifles, SIG Sauer optics, Leupold SX-2 spotters, as well as gun safes. A wide selection of hunter camo clothing is also on sale starting 11/25/2021 (Thanksgiving Day). CLICK HERE for compressed layout with 100+ sale items on one page.
K&M Shooting Products — 23% Off with Code THANKFUL23
K&M Products is running a Thanksgiving/Black Friday special offer, with 23% Off Savings on purchases over $50 (with some exclusions). K&M posted: “Happy Thanksgiving… Feast on 23% Off on $50 or more.” This promotion is good November 24-29, 2021. To get the savings, use Coupon Code THANKFUL23. Mitutoyo products, Arbor Press Case, and Benchtop machines, are excluded.
Bruno Shooters Supply — FREE Shipping for $100 (and up) Orders
Now through Monday 11/29/21 at noon, Bruno’s Shooters Supply is offering FREE Shipping (within the USA) on all orders of $100 or more. This does not cover items not currently in stock, and the Free Shipping offer excludes hazardous materials and any complete firearm. The Bruno’s storefront will be open half days on Friday and Saturday, 11/26-11/27.
Area 419 — Black Nitride Friday Discounts
Area 419 is running a “Black Nitride Friday” promotion. There are major savings on a variety of products including Hellfire muzzle brakes, Sidewinder muzzle brakes, suppressor mounts/adaptors, and thread protectors. CLICK HERE for all sale items.
KYGUNCO — Big Savings on Rifles, Pistols, Shotguns and Ammo
Shown above are just some of the deals, starting Friday. There are great prices on rifles, pistols, and shotguns. If you’re looking for a nice Bergara B-14 HMR .22 LR trainer, this is a good place to shop. NOTE: Prices go into effect on Friday, 11/26/2021. CLICK HERE for a full preview of items that will go on sale. That page has clickable links for particular products (sale prices effective 11/26/21).
Natchez Shooters Supplies — FREE Shipping for $99.99+ Orders
As a special Black Friday Promotion, Natchez Shooters Supplies is offering FREE Shipping on all orders of $100 or more. Use Code FS211125 to qualify for free shipping. This promotion is good through Monday 11/29/2021 at midnight.
Locked & Loaded — Black Friday Sale
You’ll find some attractive deals on Rifles, Pistols, and Shotguns at LockedLoaded.com now through CyberMonday at 11:59 pm. This vendor also has substantial stocks of loaded ammunition at better-than-average prices.
L.E. Wilson — Free Shipping November 26 – 28 (Fri, Sat, Sun)
L.E. Wilson will offer FREE shipping on November 26-28, 2021 for orders in the USA. At the top of the L.E. Wilson website it notes: “Black Friday Free Shipping November 26-28th (U.S. Orders) Automatically Applied.” So this offer starts tomorrow, Black Friday, and is good through Sunday, November 28, 2021.
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Readers know Jim Borden as a Hall of Fame shooter and the owner of Borden Accuracy/Borden Rifles. Jim won 10 IBS National Championships, set 10 IBS world records, and was inducted into the Benchrest Hall of Fame in 1996. But Jim is not just a great shooter. This highly-trained engineer is very much a Renaissance man. He is as skilled with cameras as he is with benchrest rifles.
Jim is a talented outdoor photographer who has compiled an impressive portfolio of wildlife and landscape photographs. For our Thanksgiving-day edition of the Daily Bulletin we are featuring some of Jim’s favorite nature images. We hope readers enjoy them as much as shooters prize Borden’s Rimrock benchrest and Rimrock hunting actions.
Growing up in rural Pennsylvania, in a hunting household and hunting community, Jim learned about shooting at a very early age. He started hunting at the age of nine with his father and grandfather. His grandfather had an avid interest in photography while they were on hunts and Jim became interested as well. Jim began using SLR cameras in the 1970s, often carrying cameras on his hunts. As the years passed, Jim became more interested in “shooting” the animals with a camera versus a gun. Jim converted from film to digital in 2006 and in 2007 Jim’s wife Joan started accompanying Jim on the photo safaris. Jim has a particular passion for elk, moose, and eagles and Jim also enjoys scenic photography. Jim and Joan both shoot Nikon professional equipment. Their photographs can be viewed at www.Borden-Photo.com. You’ll also find Jim’s images (along with photography tips) on his JandJB Wildlife Photography Blog.
All in the Family
Jim’s grandfather was a gunsmith who taught Jim the trade when Jim was very young. Jim’s father and grandfather ran a country business that included an auto repair shop, welding, a small lathe, and a forge. Jim earned a degree in Mechanical engineering at Penn State University. For 23 years he worked for Procter and Gamble (P&G) as an engineer and as an engineering manager/project manager.
Borden Rifles — A Success Story
Borden Accuracy/Borden Rifles has been a source for precision benchrest and hunting rifles for many years. Jim started doing his own gunsmithing while competing in benchrest and high power silhouette matches. Jim launched his business in 1987, working nights and weekends while still employed at P&G. The business became full-time in 1995 with Jim and his wife Joan doing the work. The business was expanded in 1999 with the construction of the new Springville, PA facility and the addition of sons Jim Jr. and John to the staff. Son-in-law John Mecca came onboard in January 2000. Now the Borden shop continues to make some of the finest rifles and actions in the world. Joan tells us that the company has seen a significant growth in ultra-high-quality precision hunting rifles in recent years.
Jim and company began making Rimrock benchrest and Rimrock hunting actions in 2001. They added Borden Alpine and Timberline actions in 2006. These actions are made in an advanced manufacturing facility which has three CNC vertical Machining centers, three CNC lathes, three manual lathes, a manual knee mill, a surface grinder, a cylindrical grinder and wire EDM machine. To learn more, visit BordenRifles.com, call 570-965-2505, or send email to info [at] bordenrifles.com.
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Back in the old days, Pat McMillan told me: “You can not have two bags filled so hard that you gun bounces on them in the process of firing round at your target, especially if you have a rig with a very flexible stock. The bags must be set up in a manner for them to absorb the initial shock of the firing pin moving forward and igniting the primer. 
By Ron Dague, Sinclair Reloading Tech
Putting the 6mm-233 Project Together
Matt Emmons is one of the USA’s top smallbore rifle competitors in recent decades. Emmons has competed on the U.S. National Team since 1997 and he has represented the USA in various rifle events at four Olympics Games — 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016. Matt earned multiple Olympic medals: Gold in 2004 in Men’s 50m Prone*; Silver in 2008 in Men’s 50m Prone; and Bronze in 2012 in Men’s 50m 3X40. Although his specialty is Men’s 3-Position rifle, Emmons’ World Championship and Olympic Gold are in Men’s 50m Prone. He usually shoots an Anschütz or Bleiker .22LR rifle, with Eley Tenex ammo.
To find out if you have a burr or damage to your crown, you can use an ordinary Q-tip cotton swab. Check the edges of the crown by pulling the Q-tip gently out past the edge of the crown. If you have a burr, it will “grab” the cotton and leave strands behind.
These three amazing videos were all created by the gifted computer graphics artist Matt Rittman. On his 
Jim is a talented outdoor photographer who has compiled an impressive portfolio of wildlife and landscape photographs. For our Thanksgiving-day edition of the Daily Bulletin we are featuring some of Jim’s favorite nature images. We hope readers enjoy them as much as shooters prize Borden’s Rimrock benchrest and Rimrock hunting actions.
Borden Rifles — A Success Story
